Author: yoann besnard

Future A1 and next-generation Polo to get AWD
An Audi model isn’t a true Audi without an all-wheel drive and the future small A1 won’t avoid its fate. The Volkswagen Group is currently working on a four-wheel drive variant of the PQ25 platform shared Bentley
the future Audi A1 and VW Polo, and the new Seat Ibiza.
In an interview with Automotive News, Erich Schmitt, president of Seat, has revealed that "The new small-car platform architecture includes an all-wheel drive option. Seat won’t offer AWD for its new Ibiza, but other group models could use it." The next-generation AWD Polo will be similar to the current CrossPolo.
Technical details remain secret. Will Volkswagen Group use the Quattro system or the Haldex system, unless it takes inspiration from the A1 MetroProject seen at the last Tokyo Motor Show. The concept-car that previewed the eagerly-awaited Audi A1 was powered by two engines, a 150bhp petrol engine at the front and a 41bhp electric engine at the back.
May 8, 2008
Future Ibiza Cupra to be based on the Bocanegra
Initially unveiled as a preview of the new Ibiza, the Bocanegra was so praised by the press and the public that Seat will use it as a basis for the upcoming Cupra version.
If the Bocanegra was a striking concept, the new Ibiza features a disappointing despite Luc Donckerwolke promoting the “Arrow Design” concept. But when the same Donckerwolke reveals in an interview given to Auto Express that Spanish carmaker will build the Bocanegra, a large smile appears on our face. However, one will wait the launch of the Cupra next year to have a final opinion. The production version will likely feature the body kit and the panoramic glass sunroof.
The Cupra version will be powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine delivering a power output of 180bhp and hooked up to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to keep up with the Peugeot 207 RC, the Vauxhall Corsa VXR and the Clio RS.
May 8, 2008
Mercedes introduces the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC
The German carmaker has unveiled a limited edition of the facelifted SL63 AMG dubbed IWC and limited to a mere 200 units.
If the 6.3-litre engine remains unchanged, this special edition comes with an AMG Performance package featuring 19in wheels, an AMG Performance chassis equipped with Active Body Control, rear-axle, multi-disc limited-slip differential with a lock factor of 40 percent, a smaller-diamter steering wheel and silver-finish aluminum gearshift paddles. There is also an all-new exterior white paint color called Kashmir.
On the inside, the SL63 AMG IWC features a Tobago Brown nappa leather interior with carbon accents on both the door panels and central console. Other interior specific equipments include AMG sports seats featuring multicontour and memory functions, heating, an AMG-specific perforation pattern, a special design and AMG badges; black AMG floormats with Tobago Brown leather piping; AMG door sills with white illuminated AMG lettering; and the IWC logo on the lid of the central console.
As the moniker refers to the Swiss watch manufacturer, the SL63 AMG IWC also comes with IWC Schaffhausen’s “Grosser Ingenieur”. First models will be delivered in November of this year.

May 8, 2008
Mercedes introduces the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC
The German carmaker has unveiled a limited edition of the facelifted SL63 AMG dubbed IWC and limited to a mere 200 units.
If the 6.3-litre engine remains unchanged, this special edition comes with an AMG Performance package featuring 19in wheels, an AMG Performance chassis equipped with Active Body Control, rear-axle, multi-disc limited-slip differential with a lock factor of 40 percent, a smaller-diamter steering wheel and silver-finish aluminum gearshift paddles. There is also an all-new exterior white paint color called Kashmir.
On the inside, the SL63 AMG IWC features a Tobago Brown nappa leather interior with carbon accents on both the door panels and central console. Other interior specific equipments include AMG sports seats featuring multicontour and memory functions, heating, an AMG-specific perforation pattern, a special design and AMG badges; black AMG floormats with Tobago Brown leather piping; AMG door sills with white illuminated AMG lettering; and the IWC logo on the lid of the central console.
As the moniker refers to the Swiss watch manufacturer, the SL63 AMG IWC also comes with IWC Schaffhausen’s “Grosser Ingenieur”. First models will be delivered in November of this year.
May 8, 2008
MG to launch a new TF in 2010
SAIC is determined to become a major player on the European market thanks to the MG and Roewe labels. After the promising 550 saloon unveiled at the recent Beijing Motor Show, the Chinese carmaker plans to launch an all-new MG TF according to Auto Express.
Expected in 2010, the future roadster, presented as the roadster of the next decade by the magazine, will also be available as a coupé. it will take its styling cues from the MG SV and X80 models. Despite sharing its underpinnings with the Roewe 550, the future model will be a rear-wheel drive vehicle. Two petrol engines will be available, a turbocharged 1.8-litre unit and a 2.5-litre V6 unit, both from former Rover.
Without a doubt, the future roadster/coupé will be sold at a competitive price, competing with the Mazda MX-5. a bit larger than the Japanese roadster, the next TF will also try to compete with the more expensive Alfa Romeo Spider and the Audi TT.
May 8, 2008
Next-generation Saab 9-3 to be built in Sweden
Initially planned to be built in Germany, the next-generation 9-3 will finally be manufactured in Sweden reveals a German newspaper.
The Handelsblatt reveals that GM changed its mind about the 9-3 by keeping the production in Sweden. Back in 2005, the carmaker had announced that the production contract for the next Saab 9-3 would land at the Opel factory, located in Russelsheim. However technical considerations led the company to reverse its decision. In an attempt to finally build a consistent product range, the Swedish carmaker wants the next 9-3 to be based on a smaller platform in order to keep a true distinction with the next-generation 9-5. The company hopes it will also reduce its fleet average CO2 emissions.
As a consequence, the 9-3’s launch date has been postponed by two years from 2009 to 2011. The next-generation will likely based on the Delta II platform. The decision raises concerns about the future engine range. The current topping engine is a 276bhp V6 unit. Will a smaller platform be able to bear a powerful V6 engine, essential to move upmarket?
May 8, 2008
Opel to build two new electric vehicles in Germany
GM CEO, Rick Wagoner has announced that Vauxhall/Opel will build two new electric models in the coming years. the first model will be a production version of the Flextreme concept-car and the second a MPV based on the Delta platform.
The production version of the Flextreme concept car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year will share its technology with the Chevrolet Volt. The main engine will be an electric unit expected to deliver 150bhp and will use lithium-ion batteries. The second vehicle will be larger and will be roomier than the Flextreme concept car thanks to its minivan bodystyle. The two models will be built in Germany.
The two new vehicles will be part of an ambitious plan to unveil 20 new models Bentley 2012. GM Europe plans to invest £7 billion to develop the future models.
May 8, 2008
Spyshots: next BMW Z4 interior revealed
After the next-generation Z4 spotted on the Nurburgring, here is a picture of the interior of the BMW’s roadster due to be unveiled next year.
The next-generation’s interior won’t feature radical changes as the overall design will be similar to that of the current model. The spotted interior features a new multi-function steering wheel a convertible roof controller positioned behind the gearstick. The central console on the next Z4 is cleaner, with room for a proper arm rest.
The next Z4 will grow in size and price in an attempt to take on the Porsche Boxster. Unlike the current model which features a soft top, the next Z4 will come with a metallic folding roof like the Mazda MX-5. The exterior design is expected to take its styling cues from the CS concept car with a larger front grille and LED taillights. The engine range will include six cylinder engines and additional four cylinder units for the European market, while the topping engine is rumoured to be a turbocharged inline-six delivering 350bhp.
May 8, 2008
Spyshots: next-generation Renault Megane
Here the spyhots of the next-generation Megane without camouflage which will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show according to the latest information.
The Megane is presented under two variants, the five-door hatchback and the three-door version. As predicted, both cars offer a differentiated design. After those versions, Renault will unveil the next-generation Scenic at Geneva next year.
Click here to see the pictures
April 30, 2008
Alfa Romeo launches a Spider Limited Edition
The Italian carmaker has unveiled a limited edition of its Spider featuring extra equipments at no cost.
When a carmaker releases a limited edition, it is a sign that the concerned model generates poor sales results. Is the Spider a poor-selling vehicle as a result of fierce competition with the German models? This limited edition features a choice of four colour combinations, alloy wheels, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated memory front seats and door mirrors. The price remains at £25,500. The extra features include Italian Frau leather upholstery and the unique Blue&Me hands-free system with voice recognition and media player.
Bespoke colours for the Alfa Spider Limited Edition include a Carbonio Black version with a natural leather upholstery while the Alfa Red exterior paintwork is matched to a black leather interior. The Ghiaccio White colour scheme comes with a choice of either black or natural leather upholstery.
The Spider Limited Edition is only available with the 2.2-litre petrol engine which delivers 185bhp and enables the Spider to reach a top speed of 139mph.
April 30, 2008